Debt Collector Harassment in Knoxville, TN

Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Knoxville, Tennessee there are two things to consider: harassment and misrepresentation. The presence of either of these things is debt collector harassment and may require you to take legal action against the collector.

Debt Collector Harassment in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee’s Attorney General states that debt collector harassment is strictly forbidden by the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act. In addition, debt collectors apply for licenses. Some of the prohibited practices in Knoxville include:

• Using obscene or profane language
• Misrepresenting their identity or the debt owed
• Calling before 8:00 am and after 9:00 pm
• Sending false information to credit bureaus

If you are a victim of any of these examples, you may have a right to sue the debt collector for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). An experienced Knoxville attorney can help you identify your options and build a strong case.

Misrepresentations

Misrepresentations by a debt collector refer to someone using false, deceptive, or misleading practices. This also includes misrepresenting any debt you may have. See some examples of this and other Illegal Debt Collection Practices below:

• The amount of money you owe
• False threats saying they will have you arrested
• Saying they are an attorney if they aren’t one
• Threats to do something that the debt collector has no intention of doing
• Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law

If you think any Knoxville, TN debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney that understands debt collector law.

Who Are Debt Collectors?

Most people don’t know what a debt collector is until they have one incessantly calling them about paying off debt. So, who are debt collectors? Who do they work for?

Collectors come from a debt collection agency that works with creditors who are owed debts. If you have outstanding debt in Knoxville such as credit debt, unpaid loans, and personal loans, your creditor may contact a debt collection agency. This agency then assigns a debt collector to your case.

If you have accumulated overdue debts in Knoxville, you may have to deal with a collection agency. If you don’t recognize the name of an agency, you may contact the original creditor to confirm they have the authorization to collect your debt. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau provides a list of companies operating around Knoxville. These agencies include:

• Reports Inc
• Lendmark Financial Services
• Account Resolution Services LLC
• Optima Recovery Systems

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Knoxville, Tennessee?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Knoxville debt collectors are harassing you, then it’s important to become familiar with the Basics of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA went into law in 1977 to protect consumers from collection agencies. If a debt collector violates any harassment or misrepresentation rules, the victim has a right to sue the collector.

Step 2: Collect Records

Have you experienced harassment in Knoxville, TN by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

The National Consumer Law Center outlines the steps you can take when preparing to take legal action in Knoxville:

• Send any documents by fax or certified mail to verify receipt
• Always get the caller’s name and the company contact information
• Log the time, date, and content of every call
• Save all documents, voicemails, texts, and emails received

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

When you’re abused or harassed by a bullish Knoxville debt collector, it’s easy to get angry and act impulsively. Unfortunately, this can cause you to say or do something detrimental to your case. Instead, try to remain calm and make all your actions deliberate and well-thought-out. Not only will this be better for keeping your stress levels low, but it will prove helpful if you go to court. You can show that you were respectful and calm while the debt collector used abusive language.

Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification

If you’re constantly getting phone calls from Knoxville, TN debt collectors, you need to ask for debt verification. This action will not only show whether they are misrepresenting your debt or not. Additionally, the debt collector must stop contacting you until they provide the information. Debt verification should show the amount of debt you owe and the name of the creditor. You have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt. If you don’t dispute the debt, the creditor will assume the debt is valid.

Step 5: Contact an Attorney

If you’re the victim of debt collector harassment, it’s time to stand up and fight back. You deserve to live a life free from abusive and repetitive phone calls. Knoxville attorneys that understand What to Expect When Suing for Debt Collection Harassment, and local debt collection laws, can help you make this possible. If the debt collector threatens legal action, working with an attorney becomes even more important.

Step 6: Present Your Case

By hiring an experienced Knoxville, TN debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.

An experienced Knoxville attorney can help you decide where to begin your case. Specifically, you may be able to file in US District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee. Alternatively, you may choose to file in Knox County Circuit Court. Be aware, you only have one year to sue for damages. The statute of limitations clock starts ticking from the time the harassment occurred. Keep in mind, even if you win your harassment case, you may still have to pay the original debt.

Work With an Experienced Knoxville, Tennessee Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Knoxville, TN it’s time to put an end to it so you can move forward with life. There are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collectors. Legal assistance can help you to navigate these complex laws and defend yourself in court, if necessary.

Are you ready to find a debt collector attorney near you so you can finally fight back against the harassment? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Tennessee state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!